• to assess, define, structure and solve stepwise a research problem from the field of transport, logistics, and supply chain management
• to prepare, present and discuss a research proposal, including outline and research design.
• to identify, judge qualitatively and balance suitable sources for a research problem. 
• to choose a suitable research and analysis method for his/her concrete research problem and apply it correct mostly autonomous. 
• to end in an solution of the research problem, wrap up results accordingly and interpret them technically correct and conclusive.
• to write, present and defend a self-contained scientific research work.

In addition to this, this seminar allows to develop the following students abilities:

• social competence, communication with other students (or within a working group) and the lecturer.
• choice and application of methods based on knowledge acquired in basic courses.  
• presentation of research outlines, structures and results in front of a professional audience.
• self-organization, time management and goal-oriented planning of time schedules.

At the beginning of the semester, a kick-off meeting takes place in which lecturers raise actual questions relevant for practice or scientific community which serve as a starting point for seminar papers and Bachelor Theses. Different subjects are announced to work on and are allocated to the students. In addition, basic relevant literature to be prepared for the second meeting is given. Further, students have to write a research proposal for the second meeting which they should indicate outline and methodology of their seminar paper or Bachelor Thesis in prospect. 

In the second meeting, topics of the first meeting as well as basic relevant literature are subject to an intermediate test of 30 minutes duration. Afterwards research proposals for seminar papers and Bachelor Theses have to be presented. Research proposals must be submitted (after revision if needed).

Students who write a seminar paper have to present the results of their work at the final meeting. The final seminar paper has to be delivered before the presentation.

Students who write a Bachelor Thesis present a work-in-progress status of their Bachelor Thesis. Ideally their work is finished by one third, i.e. the outline of their work is fixed, problem formulation and research questions are stated. Further, the initial positions as well as the aim of their work and methodology are concluded. In addition to this, first results can be presented.

Final submissions of Bachelor Theses have to take place one semester after attending the seminar at the latest. Deadline is the last day of the semester, lecture-free period included.

Basis of judgement for the seminar differs between students writing a seminar paper or a Bachelor Thesis.

Judgement for students writing a Bachelor Thesis are as follows:

• 10% on results of intermediate test
• 20% on written research proposal and presentation
• 60% on work-in-progress status (positive judgement mandatory)
• 10% on presentation of work-in-progress Bachelor Thesis
• The final Bachelor Thesis is judged separately.
  

Judgement for the students writing a seminar paper are as follows:

• 10% on results of intermediate test
• 20% on written research proposal and presentation
• 60% on final seminar paper (positive judgement mandatory)
• 10% on presentation of final seminar paper.